Sunday, August 11, 2013

All About Bengal Cat Breeders

By Andrea Davidson


The first Bengal cat breeders crossed Asian Leopard Cats with domestic felines. The first 3 generations had wild traits. The breed recognized today came into existence in the 1960s and 70s. Pet cats should be at least 4 generations removed from the wild. After 4 generations, these cats are recognized as typical domestic felines requiring no unusual care. They are beautiful, inquisitive, intelligent, loving, and active.

These cats retain the wild appearance of the Asian Leopard with large spots, rosettes, and a light or white belly. Spots are on the back and sides with stripes elsewhere. Also typical is horizontal striping alongside the eyes and foreleg striping.

This exotic cat can be found in several primary colors: seal lynx point, sepia, mink, silver, snow, and brown. All colors can have marbled or spotted markings. The most common colors are brown and snow. Snow colored cats can have blue eyes.

An inquisitive nature and high activity level makes this a very social cat. A bored Bengal can be quite destructive. These cats usually enjoy and appreciate another cat for play and company. They adapt well to children and other pets. They're easily trainable, and can be taught to walk on a leash.

When you bring your kitten home, use the same litter and food that was used by the breeder. Switch to new brands a handful at a time. Introduce other pets through a closed door, then through a gate or other see through barrier, then supervise contact for a day or two.

These cats are agile and active. They love to climb so kitten proof your home by putting away all breakables. Most are fascinated by water so it's best to keep the toilet lid down. They can jump so don't allow your kitten outside on an open balcony and don't leave any windows open. Be sure potted plants are not poisonous if nibbled on.

Place sticky tape anywhere you don't want your kitten to climb. Another trick is to place citrus peel on forbidden areas. Most cats are repelled by the scent. Clapping, or an unexpected squirt of water from a squirt bottle, can discourage unwanted behaviors. Use catnip or toys to encourage the use of a scratching post.

Females weigh an average of 10 pounds, males are 12-15 pounds. The lifespan is 16 years. Don't be concerned if your kitten turns gray and fuzzy and ugly. This stage often occurs between 2-6 months, then they develop into a beautiful leopard look alike.

Most Bengal cat breeders don't sell cats for breeding to inexperienced breeders. To get into the business you must first participate in shows and secure a mentor. The buyers contract specifies whether a kitten sold is to be shown, bred, or neutered/spayed and kept as a pet.

Bengal cat breeders want to sell their kittens to forever homes. Felines sold as pets must be kept indoors. They must be spayed and neutered. The buyer signs an agreement to return the cat to the breeder for re-homing in the event they can no longer care for their pet.




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